Struggling Intermediate on the verge of giving up

jingebritsen · Joined: 21 Aug 2002 Posts: 3371

like anything else, not all boards in any class are constructed the same. yes, long boards can be heavy, but not all.

techno900 · Joined: 28 Mar 2001 Posts: 4161

rgomez,

Mast / sail compatibility varies from brand to brand. However, a 460 mast will generally fit most 7.5 sails, but not most 8.0+. You will notice a big difference in power between a 5.5 and a 7.5. Between a 7.5 and 8.2, some power difference, but not too much. A jump of 2 meters is a big jump, but you should be OK. I would recommend a 7.5 for your next sail. Eventually, you will want a 6.5 and then maybe an 8.5 or 9.0. Next might be a 4.5. It can get crazy as your skills improve. More sails = more masts, booms & boards.

wynsurfer · Joined: 24 Aug 2007 Posts: 940

rgomez,

As the previous poster stated, if you want to go bigger than 7.5 you will likely need another mast, I do not know of any 8.0+ sails that will work on a 460 mast. The 8.2 will only allow you to plane in 1 kt. less wind if that. I am using an Ezzy Cheetah 7.5. Luff = 479-482 so you already have the right mast and extension. Boom = 206-214 so you may need another boom. Should you need the new boom, get one that will also fit a 9.5 sail, something around 200-250 cm.

cgoudie1 · Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2012 11:21 am Post subject:

Like everybody says, if you go bigger than 7.5 you'll probably need
a longer mast (and a bigger boom). I have seen mast extenders for certain masts, which might make your 460 into a 490, but, I've never seen a sail rig properly on that type setup, and the extenders are almost
as expensive as another mast piece. If you want to go with an 8.2,
you'll probably be wanting a 490, but check the sail specs, there are
some pretty stubby 8+ meter sails out there (a Sailworks 8.0 Retro will
rig on a 460 with a 40 cm base exitension, and I think there's an 8.0
Hot sail that will rig similarly).

So how much is that extra "1 knot" of planing power worth to you?
It probably depends on the average wind speed at your
sailing venue. If it's more like 8 knots, you'll probably be cursing your
7.5, if it's more like 9 knots, you'll probably be pleased.
.7 meters does make a difference (as does boad shape. as does fin size).

-Craig

coachg · Joined: 10 Sep 2000 Posts: 3550

Cost wise you will probably end up with a 7.5 that works with your mast as you can find that size used. Some brands do now make larger sails for 460 masts. Severne NCX 8.0 rigs on a 460 as does the my Naish Indy 8.2, but those are newer sail, more costly & harder to find. Both rig on about 208 cm booms.

Coachg

isobars · Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20935

swchandler · Joined: 08 Nov 1993 Posts: 10588

I wonder when was the last time that isobars sailed an 8m+ sized sail. If the truth were told, it was very long ago, if ever.

rgomez · Joined: 13 Dec 2012 Posts: 112

I agree with you guys a 7.5 would be ideal in giving me maximum power with a minimum budget...I'm sure with a right fin combination, correct stance and loads of pumping...I probably would go as fast as an 8m

A Cpl of questions though...since I've not gotten planning much i'm still kind of a newbie in some areas and I havent found any information about this online..

1. If I pump my board to plane, does my board stay on a plane after I stop pumping? or do I need to regularly pump it?

2. When im in the harness...do I need to sheet in with my hand so my body position?

Thanks Smile

SeaDawg · Joined: 12 Sep 2002 Posts: 384

I would bet that with your 5.5 and a good 7.5 you could cover 80-90% of your sailing days.

We all have combos that work most of the time. Being early in the curve can be frustrating when there is so much info and opinions,

Getting planing is the essence of the sport for sure, but buying gear that's affordable and fits your right now is most important.

I really like the range of the older longboards(equipe etc.) I'd say a good longboard and 120lt freeride + your 5.5 and a 7.5 would set you up fairly well.

I'm speaking from 35yrs in the sport with sails ranging from 3.7 to 9.5 my 6.0 and my 7.2 gets the most use.

Mostly, you need time on the water.

Just have fun with it!

coachg · Joined: 10 Sep 2000 Posts: 3550

That is kind of a loaded question. Yes, you can pump onto a plane even when there is not enough wind to stay on a plane. If you want to see it done watch an Olympic windsurf race, not what you want to be doing. The secret is to know when there is enough wind to stay on a plane once you get there.

You will be on flat water with a large sail so your pumping will be done out of the harness. Once on a plane and hooked in try not to use your back hand to sheet in as in light winds it is easy to overpower the sail and stall out. With large sails on flat water after I have pumped onto a plane & hooked in I will take my back hand off & let the sail pull me forward using only the harness to sheet in. This will works best if your harness lines are trimmed slightly forward of the CE.

Here is a method to check if there is enough wind to stay on a plane. With your weight, a 7.5 and your board you don’t need white caps to get planing, just look for dark ripples on the water. When you see a gust coming hand very low from the boom and when you feel the pressure of the wind in the sail start to extend your legs. If you can extend your body over the water & feel the board accelerate and on the verge of planing than there is enough wind to keep you on a plane. If you can’t extend your legs and push your body out over the water there is probably not enough wind to keep you on a plane.

Coachg